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Black Prophetic Fire
An unflinching look at nineteenth- and twentieth-century African American leaders and their visionary legacies.
In an accessible, conversational format, Cornel West, with distinguished scholar Christa Buschendorf, provides a fresh perspective on six revolutionary African American Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Ella Baker, Malcolm X, and Ida B. Wells. In dialogue with Buschendorf, West examines the impact of these men and women on their own eras and across the decades. He not only rediscovers the integrity and commitment within these passionate advocates but also their fault lines.
West, in these illuminating conversations with the German scholar and thinker Christa Buschendorf, describes Douglass as a complex man who is both “ the towering Black freedom fighter of the nineteenth century” and a product of his time who lost sight of the fight for civil rights after the emancipation. He calls Du Bois “undeniably the most important Black intellectual of the twentieth century” and explores the more radical aspects of his thinking in order to understand his uncompromising critique of the United States, which has been omitted from the American collective memory. West argues that our selective memory has sanitized and even “Santaclausified” Martin Luther King Jr., rendering him less radical, and has marginalized Ella Baker, who embodies the grassroots organizing of the civil rights movement. The controversial Malcolm X, who is often seen as a proponent of reverse racism, hatred, and violence, has been demonized in a false opposition with King, while the appeal of his rhetoric and sincerity to students has been sidelined. Ida B. Wells, West argues, shares Malcolm X’s radical spirit and fearless speech, but has “often become the victim of public amnesia.”
By providing new insights that humanize all of these well-known figures, in the engrossing dialogue with Buschendorf, and in his insightful introduction and powerful closing essay, Cornel West takes an important step in rekindling the Black prophetic fire so essential in the age of Obama.
In an accessible, conversational format, Cornel West, with distinguished scholar Christa Buschendorf, provides a fresh perspective on six revolutionary African American Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Ella Baker, Malcolm X, and Ida B. Wells. In dialogue with Buschendorf, West examines the impact of these men and women on their own eras and across the decades. He not only rediscovers the integrity and commitment within these passionate advocates but also their fault lines.
West, in these illuminating conversations with the German scholar and thinker Christa Buschendorf, describes Douglass as a complex man who is both “ the towering Black freedom fighter of the nineteenth century” and a product of his time who lost sight of the fight for civil rights after the emancipation. He calls Du Bois “undeniably the most important Black intellectual of the twentieth century” and explores the more radical aspects of his thinking in order to understand his uncompromising critique of the United States, which has been omitted from the American collective memory. West argues that our selective memory has sanitized and even “Santaclausified” Martin Luther King Jr., rendering him less radical, and has marginalized Ella Baker, who embodies the grassroots organizing of the civil rights movement. The controversial Malcolm X, who is often seen as a proponent of reverse racism, hatred, and violence, has been demonized in a false opposition with King, while the appeal of his rhetoric and sincerity to students has been sidelined. Ida B. Wells, West argues, shares Malcolm X’s radical spirit and fearless speech, but has “often become the victim of public amnesia.”
By providing new insights that humanize all of these well-known figures, in the engrossing dialogue with Buschendorf, and in his insightful introduction and powerful closing essay, Cornel West takes an important step in rekindling the Black prophetic fire so essential in the age of Obama.
248 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
88 people are currently reading
1463 people want to read
About the author
Cornel West
152 books1,219 followersCornel Ronald West is an American scholar and public intellectual. Formerly at Harvard University, West is currently a professor of Religion at Princeton. West says his intellectual contributions draw from such diverse traditions as the African American Baptist Church, Marxism, pragmatism, transcendentalism, and Anton Chekhov.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 8, 2017
A learned discussion with the always deep brother Cornel West about Ida B Wells, Ella Baker, W.E.B. Du Bois, Malcolm X, MLK, Fredrick Douglass, and the deep need for continued black prophetic fire. We must carry the cross for the people instead of carrying the flag for power. He compares the lesson of today with Obama, as the face of the American Empire, preferring neoliberal economists to pressing social movements to the lesson of yesterday where there would have been clearly no Lincoln without pressing social movements (and there was no Lincoln until the last 2 ½ years of his own life). Cornel feels one problem with Obama is that he wants to be liked by everyone and you can’t be an effective leader that way; you must be willing to take a stand. Fredrick Douglass knew you didn’t find truth in the middle of the road, yet strangely that’s the only place Obama’s been looking. Martin Luther King’s four central causes were racism, poverty, militarism, and materialism – yet we have hardly improved with any of them since his death. While we are talking about it here’s another ‘let’s shatter false illusions’ fact: MLK’s popularity rating at the time of his death was 28% among whites and 45% among blacks. Oh, sure now he’s a hero to all, but to be so his legacy had to first be officially sanitized of a whopping three out of four of his central causes, collective America can never know that his real threat was not that he permanently had woken us all to the racism in front of us, but rather that he had woken us to it’s deep incestuous bonds with U.S. militarism, materialism, and poverty. Cornel’s lesson from brother Malcolm X is also for all of us: we can’t be true warriors without an intact spirit and assured self.
Cornel discusses the opportunity lost during the Age of Obama because most black leaders today are flag wavers instead of cross bearers. They are silent about drones, whistleblowers, and the New Jim Crow and then revive when the conversation changes back to anything other than the black prophetic tradition. Just like Malcolm X, we all have grown to realize our collective future, as shown by this discussion of these major American black prophetic leaders, is for us each to bear the cross of Internationalism, the struggle of poor people everywhere, and to move beyond civil rights to human rights. Black people know terrorism, they have lived it for centuries; what was Ida B. Wells and the Black Freedom Movement but an anti-terrorist movement? I loved Cornel’s point that elites learned that character assassination is always preferable to physical assassination because the latter leads to martyrdom while the former leads to oblivion. Cornel calls our mainstream press today neoliberal and as evidence points out its total silence on war crimes (drones, etc), wealth inequality, mass incarceration, etc… Downplaying Obama’s clear neoliberal policies doesn’t make them go away. By our actions we choose whether we too will continue to be his flag waver or to be a carrier of the cross. Color cannot be a deterrent; it’s a simple fact says Cornel, that when there’s a boot pressed hard on your neck, it matters little what is color of the skin in that boot.
Cornel discusses the opportunity lost during the Age of Obama because most black leaders today are flag wavers instead of cross bearers. They are silent about drones, whistleblowers, and the New Jim Crow and then revive when the conversation changes back to anything other than the black prophetic tradition. Just like Malcolm X, we all have grown to realize our collective future, as shown by this discussion of these major American black prophetic leaders, is for us each to bear the cross of Internationalism, the struggle of poor people everywhere, and to move beyond civil rights to human rights. Black people know terrorism, they have lived it for centuries; what was Ida B. Wells and the Black Freedom Movement but an anti-terrorist movement? I loved Cornel’s point that elites learned that character assassination is always preferable to physical assassination because the latter leads to martyrdom while the former leads to oblivion. Cornel calls our mainstream press today neoliberal and as evidence points out its total silence on war crimes (drones, etc), wealth inequality, mass incarceration, etc… Downplaying Obama’s clear neoliberal policies doesn’t make them go away. By our actions we choose whether we too will continue to be his flag waver or to be a carrier of the cross. Color cannot be a deterrent; it’s a simple fact says Cornel, that when there’s a boot pressed hard on your neck, it matters little what is color of the skin in that boot.
June 9, 2022
What does a prominent American, black, male activist and theological professor have in common with a German, white, female professor of sociology? On the surface, not a great deal. However, their passion for historical social context, the lives of great black prophetic voices, examination of justice and injustice, and the current context is shared and explored within this book.
The introduction demonstrates the differences of approach and style of the two authors. Following the introduction the book is written as a series of discussions about Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, Ella Baker, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Ida B. Wells. The discussions occur against the various stages of the Occupy movement and during the first term of President Obama. This history, content, context stengths, weaknesses and contradictions of the various subjects is exciting and, in some cases surprising.
This work is less dogmatic than much of Dr. West's writing (I am unfamliar with Dr. Buschendorf's) and is a wonderful source of information. It is a reminder that many of the leading Black voices were concerned for all people who were victims of economic and social injustice, using both experience and information as their tools, and so they focus on injustices against the Afro American community but do not speak exclusively about these injustices.
Throughout the book I was reminded of how much I have not read and how much I should read. I was impressed by the disccusions of two people who are open to listening to one another and exploring a variety of ideas and approaches together. I was also impressed by the fact that even though I do not agree with all of the ideas put forward by the authors it doesn't matter, working to eliminate injustice does matter. It is important to listen for the emergence of prophetic voices.
The introduction demonstrates the differences of approach and style of the two authors. Following the introduction the book is written as a series of discussions about Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, Ella Baker, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Ida B. Wells. The discussions occur against the various stages of the Occupy movement and during the first term of President Obama. This history, content, context stengths, weaknesses and contradictions of the various subjects is exciting and, in some cases surprising.
This work is less dogmatic than much of Dr. West's writing (I am unfamliar with Dr. Buschendorf's) and is a wonderful source of information. It is a reminder that many of the leading Black voices were concerned for all people who were victims of economic and social injustice, using both experience and information as their tools, and so they focus on injustices against the Afro American community but do not speak exclusively about these injustices.
Throughout the book I was reminded of how much I have not read and how much I should read. I was impressed by the disccusions of two people who are open to listening to one another and exploring a variety of ideas and approaches together. I was also impressed by the fact that even though I do not agree with all of the ideas put forward by the authors it doesn't matter, working to eliminate injustice does matter. It is important to listen for the emergence of prophetic voices.
December 2, 2015
Fascinating and challenging book which features 6 conversations (about W.E.B. Dubois, Frederick Douglass, MLK, Jr, Ella Baker, Malcom X, and Ida B. Wells) between Cornel West and German scholar Christa Buschendorf. It was over my head at times (Cornel West REALLY likes to throw around names), but raised interesting questions about leadership and prophetic tradition, about the role of music and faith in activism, about the potential loss of integrity the closer you get to the system, and the cost of charismatic leadership and fierce ideals. None of these towering figures in American history were perfect, or led perfectly, and West constantly repeats how each one was necessary for the next, or to complement the next, and how no one's influence would have been as profound without the countless people in the movements surrounding them.
This one I got from the library -- but I want to buy it because I need to sit with it a little longer.
This one I got from the library -- but I want to buy it because I need to sit with it a little longer.
March 29, 2015
Really engaging. I think Christa Bushendorf was an interesting conversation partner and I loved how she constantly kept the topic/person central when it seemed like the digressions were going for too long. I wasn't feeling her introduction so much. But besides those things, I enjoyed the reading. The Douglass interview was a little rough but all the others were illuminating in so many ways, especially the Ida B. Wells section.
January 2, 2021
What does it profit a people for a symbolic figure to gain presidential power if we turn our backs from the suffering of poor and working people, and thereby lose our souls? The Black prophetic tradition has tried to redeem the soul of our fragile democratic experiment. Is it redeemable?
April 28, 2016
Very philosophical and it made you think how these 6 great leaders impacted the nation in their era. Plus, their lingering influences today. Dr. West and Dr. Christa Buschendorf had allowed me to become a participant in their discussions.
March 2, 2017
Relentless and inspirational every page.
January 22, 2024
“The Black prophetic tradition surely begins on the chocolate side of town, but like the blues and jazz, it has a universal message for all human beings concerned about justice and freedom.” Interesting read, especially regarding his critiques of Obama now that West himself is a presidential candidate. Interview format was easy to read & I appreciated Buschendorf’s contributions.
October 6, 2015
*I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway*
First of all, this book is labeled as being African American history, this book is SO much more than that. Anyone that is concerned about the state of the U.S. now, the historical leaders and movements as well as how they can inform and affect the current leaders and movements, please pick up this book.
Black Prophetic Fire is part manifesto, historical review, self-help book, cultural appreciation... and the list goes on. It offers a dissection of some of the most prolific and important black liberation figures/leaders. However, unlike many books that try to do the same, this book presents different (and highly sourced) perspectives and information. Both contributors offer a meaningful critique of each figure while also explaining why each one deserves to be remembered for their role in the black prophetic tradition. They go on to explain why they are vital to our understanding of the historic and current black liberation struggle, both within movements and with our current "leaders".
The dynamic between West and Buschendorf added so much to the discussion. Buschendorf truly fueled the dialogue. Although written in interview-like format, it definitely didn't create a spoon-fed question and answer vibe. Buschendorf asks relevant and insightful questions leading to thorough answers by West. Whether or not you know much about the African American leaders discussed within the book, the conversation will enlighten and challenge you.
The structure of the book is divided into sections based on the leader they are discussing. Although you can skip around, I recommend reading it through and through as there is some rhyme or reason to the order of the figures discussed.
One of the cons (con seems like a strong word) about this book is that sometimes West gets bogged down in philosophical references or goes off on a name-dropping tangent. However, don't let this deter you. Although the references led to me to refer to quick google searches, the end-notes provided are more than helpful in explaining some of the rhetoric and references. For those with a strong knowledge of philosophy, you will probably not be phased by West's numerous interjections. I was intrigued so I took a lot of notes on his comments - but, for those who don't have any interest in philosophy, try to stick with it, it gets less frequent as the book goes on. One of the main philosophical concepts he discusses is Gramsci's notion of the organic intellectual. Despite this, I truly enjoyed reading this and learned so much based on both the actual subject and the tangents.
First of all, this book is labeled as being African American history, this book is SO much more than that. Anyone that is concerned about the state of the U.S. now, the historical leaders and movements as well as how they can inform and affect the current leaders and movements, please pick up this book.
Black Prophetic Fire is part manifesto, historical review, self-help book, cultural appreciation... and the list goes on. It offers a dissection of some of the most prolific and important black liberation figures/leaders. However, unlike many books that try to do the same, this book presents different (and highly sourced) perspectives and information. Both contributors offer a meaningful critique of each figure while also explaining why each one deserves to be remembered for their role in the black prophetic tradition. They go on to explain why they are vital to our understanding of the historic and current black liberation struggle, both within movements and with our current "leaders".
The dynamic between West and Buschendorf added so much to the discussion. Buschendorf truly fueled the dialogue. Although written in interview-like format, it definitely didn't create a spoon-fed question and answer vibe. Buschendorf asks relevant and insightful questions leading to thorough answers by West. Whether or not you know much about the African American leaders discussed within the book, the conversation will enlighten and challenge you.
The structure of the book is divided into sections based on the leader they are discussing. Although you can skip around, I recommend reading it through and through as there is some rhyme or reason to the order of the figures discussed.
One of the cons (con seems like a strong word) about this book is that sometimes West gets bogged down in philosophical references or goes off on a name-dropping tangent. However, don't let this deter you. Although the references led to me to refer to quick google searches, the end-notes provided are more than helpful in explaining some of the rhetoric and references. For those with a strong knowledge of philosophy, you will probably not be phased by West's numerous interjections. I was intrigued so I took a lot of notes on his comments - but, for those who don't have any interest in philosophy, try to stick with it, it gets less frequent as the book goes on. One of the main philosophical concepts he discusses is Gramsci's notion of the organic intellectual. Despite this, I truly enjoyed reading this and learned so much based on both the actual subject and the tangents.
October 24, 2014
I requested this book as a Goodreads giveaway because I work at an HBCU and select books for our African American collection. This will definitley be added to the collection.
The subtitle identifies this as a dialogue between Cornel West and Christa Buschendorf. The dialog includes discussion of several prophets, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Ida B. Wells, Malcom X, Frederick Douglass, Ella Baker,and W. E.B. DuBois. The discussion explores the importance and impact of their lives and identities, but does not ignore the faults, misteps, and problems.
I found the discussion to be interesting and substantive, truly a discussion between equals. The book has extensive notes, a bibliography, and an extensive index.
The subtitle identifies this as a dialogue between Cornel West and Christa Buschendorf. The dialog includes discussion of several prophets, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Ida B. Wells, Malcom X, Frederick Douglass, Ella Baker,and W. E.B. DuBois. The discussion explores the importance and impact of their lives and identities, but does not ignore the faults, misteps, and problems.
I found the discussion to be interesting and substantive, truly a discussion between equals. The book has extensive notes, a bibliography, and an extensive index.
November 13, 2018
Reading this book will ignite anew a prophetic burning to continue the fight for social justice and black liberation
This book reignited an urging to continue the ‘good fight’ form social justice for all who are opporessed, but especially for those Blacks in America who have been oppressed for centuries. It also helped me to understand and side with West’s sharp and unique criticism of the Obama era. I understand now what Bro. Cornel and Bro. Tavis were saying about Bro. Obama and I find their critique closer to being more legitimate than less. This becomes especially true when one understands what it means to prophetically advocate the cause of the oppressed.
This book reignited an urging to continue the ‘good fight’ form social justice for all who are opporessed, but especially for those Blacks in America who have been oppressed for centuries. It also helped me to understand and side with West’s sharp and unique criticism of the Obama era. I understand now what Bro. Cornel and Bro. Tavis were saying about Bro. Obama and I find their critique closer to being more legitimate than less. This becomes especially true when one understands what it means to prophetically advocate the cause of the oppressed.
September 7, 2018
A good historical synopsis of revolutionary thought.
August 14, 2018
Brilliant and insightful.
Cornel West has a fantastic mind.
Cornel West has a fantastic mind.
September 10, 2018
some interesting facts and concepts. i did not like the format. may have had a stronger resonance in a different format.
February 19, 2018
In 2018, many would argue (particularly White people), that America has become a post-racial society. America has had its first Black president, popular culture has more Black faces than ever before, and Black people are increasingly a part of the middle and upper classes. But are these things truly markers of a post-racial country? Or rather are they rather hollow victories that paper over the cracks of far more serious and systemic inequality and injustice?
In a Q&A format with professor Christa Buschendorf, Dr. Cornel West examines the lives of W.E.B DuBois, Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Ella Baker, and how the courage they showed in calling attention to inequality is sorely lacking in the leaders of today.
West uses the term “Black prophetic fire” to describe two types of revolutionaries. The first, people like Dr. King, is the charismatic leader who serves as the face of a movement. The second, in the form of movement organizer Ella Baker, work tirelessly for a cause rather than a specific movement. Both have their strong points and their flaws but what they share is a courage to speak the truth, even at the risk of their own community standing or personal safety.
West argues that in modern society, many potential Black leaders are more interested in personal wealth or advancement than lifting up their communities. Others allow themselves to be co-opted by the system and take jobs in government which by its very nature dulls any instinct to question it. West in particular singles out Barack Obama in this latter category. He rightly questions Obama’s coziness with Wall Street, his militarism in the form of drone strikes, and his unwillingness to confront the prison industrial complex. When West compares Obama to some of the towering Black figures of the past in particular, it’s hard not to feel Obama’s timidity and an unwillingness to bite the hand that fed him. As West so pointedly observes:
“Is it not hypocritical to raise one’s voice when the pharaoh is white but have no critical word to say when the pharaoh is Black? If the boot is on our neck, does it make any difference what color the foot is in the boot?”
This book is about much more than solely the failings of Barack Obama however. It is a call to men and women to summon the courage to confront the issues of our day with the same clarity and force that men like Malcolm and DuBois did, that women like Wells and Baker did. Can we look beyond the empty materialism and aversion to risk that has prevented significant movements or leaders since MLK, and work for justice and the greater good? West is rightly sceptical that this can happen in our current climate. But perhaps in Wells’ day, in DuBois’ day, in King’s day, many felt this same helplessness. All it takes is a few people of courage to stand up for what is right however, and put us on a course for a better and more just society.
In a Q&A format with professor Christa Buschendorf, Dr. Cornel West examines the lives of W.E.B DuBois, Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Ella Baker, and how the courage they showed in calling attention to inequality is sorely lacking in the leaders of today.
West uses the term “Black prophetic fire” to describe two types of revolutionaries. The first, people like Dr. King, is the charismatic leader who serves as the face of a movement. The second, in the form of movement organizer Ella Baker, work tirelessly for a cause rather than a specific movement. Both have their strong points and their flaws but what they share is a courage to speak the truth, even at the risk of their own community standing or personal safety.
West argues that in modern society, many potential Black leaders are more interested in personal wealth or advancement than lifting up their communities. Others allow themselves to be co-opted by the system and take jobs in government which by its very nature dulls any instinct to question it. West in particular singles out Barack Obama in this latter category. He rightly questions Obama’s coziness with Wall Street, his militarism in the form of drone strikes, and his unwillingness to confront the prison industrial complex. When West compares Obama to some of the towering Black figures of the past in particular, it’s hard not to feel Obama’s timidity and an unwillingness to bite the hand that fed him. As West so pointedly observes:
“Is it not hypocritical to raise one’s voice when the pharaoh is white but have no critical word to say when the pharaoh is Black? If the boot is on our neck, does it make any difference what color the foot is in the boot?”
This book is about much more than solely the failings of Barack Obama however. It is a call to men and women to summon the courage to confront the issues of our day with the same clarity and force that men like Malcolm and DuBois did, that women like Wells and Baker did. Can we look beyond the empty materialism and aversion to risk that has prevented significant movements or leaders since MLK, and work for justice and the greater good? West is rightly sceptical that this can happen in our current climate. But perhaps in Wells’ day, in DuBois’ day, in King’s day, many felt this same helplessness. All it takes is a few people of courage to stand up for what is right however, and put us on a course for a better and more just society.
November 27, 2022
Cornel West is one of my favorite people! But this book, written in mock-dialogue form, is quite disappointing. The writers/editors, brother Cornel and Christa Buschendorf, provide an examination of important thinkers/activists in black American history--both contemporary and historically; and despair over the fact that they have not been replaced with like-minded activists because black Americans have changed allegience to celebrity, cupidity, and conformity. This is by and large true, but who in America has not devolved into material pusuits and gainsaid critiquing, interrogating, and protesting in a radical way? I'd venture to say no one. Who is willing to forego material comfort? Who is willing to spend decades in jail as punishment for adopting a radical perspective of America? Who is willing to die for their beliefs? I'm not. As a sometime viewer of the comments section on the Fox News website, I've read comments such as these: "I respect the Taliban more than I respect liberals. At least the Taliban are willing to die for their principles." There are many similar comments as well. Although the book was published years before the massive level of politically violence erupted onto the Amercan. I applaud Cornel and Christa in tackling this issue, but I'm afraid this is a subsection of the general issue of the loss of meaning, community, sacrifice, determination, and other qualities that pervades the country. And I don't simply mean acculturation into a material society when one passes through high school, college, and a career. Americans have, in large part, become socialized into the 'philosophy of individual pursuit of "success" from the time they are children.
October 15, 2023
Exceptional history of black American civil rights leaders. The analysis is unbiased in its interpretation of each tradition.
“he likes to be able to create some kind of middle-ground synthesis that brings people together without really coming to terms with the deep conflicts. Here he could learn a lot from Douglass. He might quote Douglass all day and all night about power conceding and so forth, but Douglass understood the depth of it, that you don't find truth in the middle of the road: you find truth beneath the superficial, mediocre, mainstream dialogue, and the truth is buried, is hidden beneath that, and when you connect with that truth, you have to take a stand. When you take a stand, you're not going to be liked by everybody”
“he likes to be able to create some kind of middle-ground synthesis that brings people together without really coming to terms with the deep conflicts. Here he could learn a lot from Douglass. He might quote Douglass all day and all night about power conceding and so forth, but Douglass understood the depth of it, that you don't find truth in the middle of the road: you find truth beneath the superficial, mediocre, mainstream dialogue, and the truth is buried, is hidden beneath that, and when you connect with that truth, you have to take a stand. When you take a stand, you're not going to be liked by everybody”
July 22, 2025
It's a little hard to evaluate this book normally because the whole book is a transcript of a conversation between two academics: Cornel West and Christa Buschendorf discuss six Black prophetic figures. The lessons about these historical figures are interesting but sometimes difficult to digest. West's ego gets in the way a bit. Simultaneously, this book is an example of how West hasn't published much actual research. He's more of an activist, teacher and orator than an academic. I came to the book because I was following West's presidential run, and my contributor on The Rauch Review did a great job providing deeper analysis: https://josephrauch.com/therauchrevie...
July 23, 2018
This book was a very interesting read. The questions from the interviewer, Dr. Christa Buschendorf were very thought provoking and prompted me to do my own personal research of some issued raised. Dr. West's insight and knowledge of the subjects brought to the forefront were quite detailed and intellectually stimulating. I recommend this book for all preachers and those who are looking for more insight i to the history of African-American prophetic preaching. While the conclusion expresses the opinion of Dr. West and his professional and vocational work, of which I am very respectful, I do not wholeheartedly agree with all of his conclusions.
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September 17, 2019Cornel West provides us an overview of the men and women who sacrificed the best parts of themselves and fought on the front line to protect the humanity of African Americans. From Fredrick Douglass to Fannie Lou Hammer—- they laid their lives on the line not for a financial reward— but they placed the health and prosperity of the community before their own, which are rare characteristics currently missing in the community. Communal prosperity must become the reference for judging progress in the black community.
Douglas E Thomas / author of African Traditional Religion in the Modern World.
Douglas E Thomas / author of African Traditional Religion in the Modern World.
April 30, 2021
A really great introduction to 6 of the greatest black fighters for justice and democracy in our history. Each chapter is an overview of the person's life with particular attention paid to the most outstanding qualities of the subject (for Dr. King it's his incorruptablity despite moving in high circles of power, for Ida B. Wells it's her extraordinary courage even to the point of being alienated from her own people). There's also discussions about each of their legacies, lessons to be learned from them, and some very insightful criticism. Really, really great.
June 10, 2023
I love books like this – an introduction to many topics that I can use as a springboard. West writes (or speaks) with passion and I didn’t know he’d be running for President when I checked the book out. He is not complimentary about Obama, but acknowledges that he wouldn’t have been elected if he had not taken such a centrist path. It is kind of odd that he wants Martin Luther King Jr. and W.E.B. DuBois to be funkier and less academic. The interview format worked well and I have a lot to learn about the people discussed in the book, particularly Ida B. Wells.
April 24, 2020
I absolutely loved this book!! Cornel West's unbridled passion really did the legacies of some of historys greatest revolutionarys justice. The book covers Malcolm X,Martin,Ida B Wells,Frederick Douglass,W.E.B Dubois and I believe they mention James Baldwin. While I've heard each of these names, I'd be lying if I said I knew the entirety of their work. It was invigorating to hear about black leaders outside of the usual Martin vs. Malcolm Paradigm. Overall a compelling, educational read
December 1, 2021
I felt like this was a good read. I learned a few things, and it definitely gave me a direction on where to go next. I love Cornel West, he's a deep thinker, analytical, very illustrative in his language when he is talking.
He gave me a lot to think about and helped me put a direction on the paper for my African American History class.
It's only 4 stars because I think in this case, the conversational approach was probably a little confusing. BUT I am dyslexic, so it could just be me.
He gave me a lot to think about and helped me put a direction on the paper for my African American History class.
It's only 4 stars because I think in this case, the conversational approach was probably a little confusing. BUT I am dyslexic, so it could just be me.
April 30, 2021
This book has some phenomenal ideas and quotes. However, it is somehow a super slow read--even though it's a transcript of a conversation. I would have preferred to consume each chapter as an audiobook, youtube series, or podcast. To be able to put it on in the background while walking or cleaning would have made it a much more enjoyable listen.
February 18, 2023
A powerful celebration and critique of several historical figures who are arguably the crème de la crème of Black prophetic voices. Situated in place and time, the conversation between West and Buschendorf feels intimate and relevant. It drives the reader to critique even their heroes as well as themselves.
June 25, 2017
Not a normal read for me. The book is conversations between West and Buschendorf. It has been highly educational for me as they discuss six African American leaders. I learned much concerning these individuals, but even more so of the Black prophetic tradition. I will read more Cornell West.
April 4, 2021
Loved this book! The interview format makes it a really quick read and keeps me engaged. It's actually the kind of book that guides you towards more and more books, speeches, essays, etc. as you desire more context and thorough understanding of these conversations.
January 17, 2022
Great interviews. Especially enjoyed the one with Maya Angelou.
April 19, 2023
Cornel is always a great read.
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